1/n ACTION ALERT: Urge @NYSenate to include the Nazi Hakenkreuz and NOT the sacred Swastika in NY school curriculum on hatred and intolerance. Sign the petition at chng.it/twQkR5MtLZ.
@SenatorBiaggi @Brooks4LINY @SenatorCarlucci @NYGovCuomo
@SenatorBiaggi @Brooks4LINY @SenatorCarlucci @NYGovCuomo
2/n We welcome a bill advancing education against hatred and bigotry; support the noose as being labeled and taught as such. But, deeming the Swastika as a hate symbol perpetuates misinformation & intolerance against Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Native American, and other traditions.
3/n Swastika is thousands of years old, far predating World War II, and has been a symbol of good fortune, peace, and prosperity since time immemorial.
4/n It is a common sight in many Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples and homes around the world, from the United States to India, Nepal, Tibet, Thailand, South Korean, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Caribbean, etc.
5/n This understanding of the Swastika as an auspicious symbol was prevalent in American culture and pre-dates the 1930s, as seen on fruit-packaging and Coca-Cola products. adbranch.com/coca-cola-swas…
6/n Even @boyscouts Paraphernalia (Thanks Badge) included the Swastika. worldscoutingmuseum.org/swastika/colin…
7/n Per @HolocaustMuseum, Nazis and Adolf Hitler misused this ancient symbol and created the Hakenkreuz (Hooked Cross), with specific color schemes and background; and, the Hakenkreuz went on to the become the emblem of hatred as many have come to know. encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/art…
8/n However, @HolocaustMuseum cautions: “To avoid misunderstanding and misuse, individuals should consider the context and past use of Nazi symbols and symbols in general.” This fact is widely documented in a variety of other sources. See - historyextra.com/period/second-…
9/n It is important that we equip our children with proper knowledge about world cultures and religions, so that they can develop the mutual respect and pluralism that must be the cornerstone of any multi-racial, multi-ethnic and inclusive society.
10/n However, without proper context or appreciation for Swastika's myriad uses, @NYSenate would essentially be endorsing hatred against the cultures and traditions of thousands of children in New York who deeply revere this symbol of good fortune, peace and prosperity.
11/n Despite this Bill’s noble intent, its disregard for the millennia-long understanding of the Swastika within indigenous cultures—both of North America and Asia—would create a hostile and intimidating environment for many students.
12/n We therefore urge you to strike all mentions of Swastika that do not pertain to Hitler’s specific misuse and those which do not relate to Nazi Germany.
13/n Instead, replace it with more holistic instructional materials which teach the diverse cultural, artistic, architectural and religious uses of this popular symbol.
14/n For instance, using the word “Hakenkreuz” instead of “Swastika” immediately places the symbol within its Nazi and neo-Nazi context and prevents the Bill from having the foreseeable negative consequences above.
